Act I, Scene 2 Summary and Analysis
Act I, Scene 2
The next morning, the new king of Denmark, Claudius, addresses his Council, accompanied by his new wife, Gertrude. Claudius—who is Prince Hamlet’s uncle—announces that even though the grief over his brother’s recent death is still fresh, he decided to marry his dead brother’s wife and make her his queen. He describes this as a time of mixed emotions (“In equal scale weighing delight and dole”) and thanks the Council for their advice.
Now switching topics, Claudius reveals that young Fortinbras has been calling for Denmark to surrender the lands lost by his father. Claudius explains that he will be entrusting Voltemand and Cornelius, his ambassadors to Norway, with a letter for Norway’s current king (Fortinbras’s uncle). In the letter, Claudius will inform the old and bedridden king of Fortinbras’s recent aggression and ask him to rein in his nephew.
After Voltemand and Cornelius leave, Laertes, the son of one of Claudius’s top advisors, asks for permission to return to France, having come to Denmark for Claudius’s coronation. After granting permission to Laertes, Claudius turns to his nephew, Prince Hamlet, and asks why Hamlet is still so obviously mourning his father. Queen Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, urges Hamlet to “cast off” his sorrow, reminding him that everyone eventually dies. Hamlet replies that his grief runs so deep that his mournful appearance is but a poor reflection of his true sadness. Claudius steps in and tells Hamlet that while a son is expected to mourn his father to some extent, to mourn too much is stubborn, unreasonable, and unmanly. Claudius says he hopes Hamlet will shake off his grief and start to think of Claudius as a father, especially since Hamlet is next in line to take the throne. With this in mind, Claudius asks Hamlet not to return to school in Wittenburg, Germany. When Gertrude echoes her husband’s request for Hamlet to stay, he reluctantly agrees, and everyone exits except Hamlet.
Alone, Hamlet laments the fact that God has made suicide a sin, complaining that life feels cursed and pointless. He bemoans his mother’s decision to marry his uncle—a man Hamlet believes cannot compare to his father—so soon after King Hamlet’s death. Hamlet knows he mustn't voice his disapproval, even though keeping quiet is breaking his heart. He is interrupted by the arrival of Horatio, Marcellus, and Barnardo, who have come to tell him about King Hamlet’s ghost. Surprised, Hamlet agrees to try to meet the ghost later that night. After they leave, Hamlet declares that the presence of his father’s ghost makes him suspect “foul play.”
Analysis
King Claudius and his new bride worry over Hamlet’s odd behavior; Gertrude correctly guesses that he is upset over his father’s death and their “o’erhasty marriage” (II.ii.57), a surmise which suggests that the queen feels some twinge of guilt over her recent actions. The royal couple press Hamlet to stay in Denmark at court, and not return to his studies in Wittenberg.
Claudius’s motives are, of course, ulterior: to spy on Hamlet in order to learn the true cause of his madness, again suggesting that Claudius has some cause to fear retribution from his nephew/son. Perhaps incredibly, Hamlet agrees to their request to remain, even before he vows to avenge his father’s death.
Why he would stay in an environment he finds uncomfortable and distasteful is a puzzle, unless we assume filial obedience as his overriding motive. More likely, however, this turn of events is another instance of the inexorable workings of fate, bringing together all the “actors” in some cosmic drama, as later scenes will bear witness.
Expert Q&A
How does the "'tis an unweeded garden" metaphor in act 1, scene 2 enhance communication in Hamlet?
The "'tis an unweeded garden" metaphor in act 1, scene 2 of Hamlet enhances communication by expressing Hamlet's deep disillusionment and melancholy. He compares his world to a neglected garden overrun with rotting weeds, evoking sensory images of decay and corruption. This metaphor reflects Hamlet's anguish, anger, and perception of Denmark's moral decay following his father's murder and his mother's hasty remarriage.
In Act 1, Scene 2 of Hamlet, why does Laertes want to see the King?
Laertes seeks an audience with King Claudius to request permission to return to France. He had come to Denmark to fulfill his duty by attending Claudius' coronation but now wishes to go back. Laertes respectfully asks for the king's leave and favor, having already obtained his father Polonius's reluctant consent. Claudius grants Laertes' request, allowing him to return to France for as long as he desires.
Why does Hamlet say the quote "Thrift, thrift, Horatio! the funeral baked meats / Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables" to Horatio in Act 1, Scene 2, and what is its significance?
Hamlet says "Thrift, thrift, Horatio! the funeral baked meats / Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables" to sarcastically criticize the quickness of his mother's marriage to his uncle following his father's funeral. He mocks the situation by suggesting the same food was used for both events, revealing his disgust at his mother's impatience and lack of proper mourning.
In act 1, scene 2 of Hamlet, how does Claudius react to Fortinbras' threat?
In Act 1, Scene 2, Claudius responds to Fortinbras' threat by opting for diplomacy over warfare. He sends ambassadors, Voltemand and Cornelius, to deliver a letter to Fortinbras' uncle, the frail King of Norway, to alert him of his nephew's aggressive intentions. Claudius believes the uncle can restrain Fortinbras and prevent a conflict with Denmark, showcasing Claudius' preference for political solutions and his desire to appear as a competent ruler.
How does Hamlet feel about his mother marrying his uncle in Act 1, Scene 2?
Hamlet is deeply upset by his mother Gertrude's marriage to his uncle Claudius, viewing it as a betrayal of his father's memory. He criticizes her for remarrying so quickly, questioning whether she truly loved his father. Hamlet perceives her actions as frail and immoral, referring to the marriage as incestuous. His grief and anger are evident in his soliloquies, where he expresses disgust at her hasty decision and lack of genuine mourning.
What does Hamlet mean by "this too, too sullied flesh" in Act 1, Scene 2?
In Act 1, Scene 2 of Hamlet, "this too, too sullied flesh" reflects Hamlet's wish for his tainted body to melt away, expressing his deep despair and suicidal thoughts. He feels contaminated by his mother’s marriage to Claudius. Some texts use "solid" instead of "sullied," which suggests Hamlet's body is too solid to melt, though "sullied" emphasizes his sense of corruption.
What does King Claudius say about his marriage and Fortinbras in Act 1, Scene 2 of Hamlet?
In Act 1, Scene 2, King Claudius presents his marriage to Gertrude as a positive step, strengthening the monarchy despite recent mourning, calling her "Th'imperial jointress of this warlike state." He uses the royal "we" to assert his authority. Regarding Fortinbras, Claudius dismisses his threats, noting that Fortinbras's uncle, the King of Norway, is too weak to control him, but Claudius is prepared to handle the situation, signaling his control over Denmark.
What are four reasons for Hamlet's upset in Act 1, Scene 2?
In Act 1, Scene 2, Hamlet is upset for several reasons. Firstly, he is grieving over his father's death. Secondly, he is disturbed by his mother's quick remarriage to Claudius, whom he dislikes and unfavorably compares to his father. Thirdly, he is frustrated that he has not become king. Lastly, Hamlet is experiencing deep depression and suicidal thoughts, feeling the world is "stale, flat, and unprofitable." These issues contribute to his troubled state of mind.
What does Claudius say about Hamlet's sorrow in Act 1, Scene 2?
In Act 1, Scene 2, Claudius criticizes Hamlet's prolonged mourning as "unmanly" and suggests it reflects a simple and unschooled understanding. Claudius urges Hamlet to accept his father's death as part of life's natural order and move on. He implies Hamlet should see Claudius as a father figure and adapt to the new reality. Claudius's remarks reveal his impatience with Hamlet's grief, which he believes should have ended by now.
In Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 2, why does Claudius refer to 'dirge in marriage'?
Claudius refers to "dirge in marriage" to express the conflicting emotions he faces in marrying Gertrude shortly after his brother's death. He uses antithesis to contrast the joy of marriage with the sadness of the king's funeral, suggesting a balance of happiness and sorrow. This duality reflects his need to appear both joyous and mournful, maintaining an image of propriety while concealing his true lack of grief over his brother's death.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
